Our View: Public fights crime better when it knows how to report tips

Sunday

Nov 18, 2012 at 9:00 AM

Do you want to live in a safe community? The answer seems obvious yet, when it comes to reporting crimes or tips, most citizens are not as prepared as they could be to help take criminals off the streets.

The importance of tips was illustrated last week. Michigan authorities arrested a suspect who, for weeks, had terrorized motorists by shooting at vehicles on suburban Detroit highways and roads. One tip out of 3,000 led to the arrest in Wixom and an end to the shootings.

Lenawee County Crime Stoppers recently improved its ability to handle anonymous tips by enabling people to send in text message tips anonymously. It’s a feature that reflects the growing trend of people communicating via text rather than phone calls.

Tip systems work best, though, if residents have the information handy or plugged into their mobile phone or tablet. Anyone can send a tip by texting it to CRIMES (274637), and including the keyword “Lenawee.” Of course, phone-in tips also work, and can be called in anonymously to 266-6161 or 877-276-8477. Online tips can be submitted here. Emergency calls for fires, accidents or crimes in progress should continue going to 911.

This week’s identification of an Indiana woman’s body found in Palmyra Township is a reminder of unsolved crimes in our area. A few others include the abduction of the three Skelton brothers from Morenci two years ago this month, the home invasion on Lime Creek Highway in Medina Township more than one year ago, a rape in Clinton’s Tate Park a year ago and a series of church break-ins in Woodstock, Cambridge, Ogden, and Palmyra townships and in Morenci. The break-ins are believed related to others in Washtenaw County and Fulton County, Ohio, which shows how reporting crimes in one area can make an entire region safer.

Rewards are often available for anonymous tips that solve Crime Stoppers cases.We don’t know whether Lenawee County officials will approve additional funding for law enforcement in the upcoming budget discussions. We do know that stopping crime will always begin with citizens doing our part. Being prepared to call — or text — in a tip is one way. It’s part of what it takes if we really want to live in a safer community.